J.D. Power published its 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study on August 12, 2026. The headline: drivers are happier with DC fast charging than a year ago, but less satisfied with public Level 2 charging, the slower AC chargers found in car parks, workplaces and shopping centres.
Key Findings
- Satisfaction with DC fast charging rose 12 points to 666 on a 1,000-point scale.
- Satisfaction with public Level 2 charging fell 12 points to 595.
- Failed visits, where a driver left without charging, fell to 12% in the latest quarter from 14% a year earlier.
- Among DC fast networks, IONNA ranked highest with 807, followed by the Mercedes-Benz Charging Network (797) and the Rivian Adventure Network (755).
- The study is based on responses from 6,594 owners of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, collected from January to June 2026.
According to a follow-up report by EV Charging Stations, Tesla Supercharging scored 701, ending its five-year run at the top of the ranking.
Why Public Level 2 Is Slipping
Public Level 2 charging is where drivers spend the longest time plugged in, so broken units, occupied bays and payment problems are felt more. The study’s results are a reminder that reliability and maintenance matter as much as the number of chargers installed.
What It Means for Buyers
For property owners and operators, the message is to choose Level 2 hardware with remote monitoring, OCPP connectivity and robust enclosures, and to plan maintenance from day one. For drivers, the findings strengthen the case for reliable home charging, whether a hardwired wallbox home charger or a portable EV charger. Our US market page covers J1772 and NACS options.
Related Reading
- EV Charging News: New York Opens $35 Million Charge Ready NY Program for Public Entities
- EV Charging News: BC Hydro Plans 3,500 Fast-Charging Ports by 2035
- NEMA 14-50 vs 6-50 vs 5-15: Which Outlet for Your EV Charger?
Key Takeaways
- DC fast charging satisfaction rose 12 points to 666; public Level 2 fell 12 points to 595.
- Failed charging visits fell to 12% from 14% a year earlier.
- IONNA topped the DC fast network ranking with 807.
- Reliable, monitored Level 2 hardware and home charging remain key for drivers.
Sources & Standards
- J.D. Power — 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study (Aug 12, 2026)
- EV Charging Stations — IONNA tops 2026 J.D. Power EV public charging study
